McGuinty Defends Far North Act

 Premier Dalton McGuinty is defending his decision to move ahead with northern land development legislation over the objections of First Nations leaders.

He says there's been``extensive consultation'' over the Far North Act, which is slated for a final vote later this week.

N-D-P critic Gilles Bisson says the dispute over Bill 191 could jeopardize McGuinty's plans to develop the Ring of Fire chromite deposit near James Bay.

Several First Nations chiefs say McGuinty failed to keep his promise not to pass the legislation without their approval and are warning that they'll use ``any means necessary'' to protect their treaty rights.

Green Light expected soon for New Forensics Lab

Work on a new OPP forensics lab in Kenora is expected to begin sometime this fall.

The lab is one of 14 the Government of Ontario is planning to build across the province.

Councillor Dave McCann say the project has been fast-tracked.

McCann says they are expecting confirmation from the provincial government sometime in the next week when construction might begin.

Respite Care Program Offered in Kenora

Thunder Bay based Wesway is expanding into the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.

The group has rolled out a Respite program that provides funding for caregivers who need a break from taking care of Seniors living at home.

Spokesperson Carol Neff says the program has been very successful over the past three years.

To find out more information call 1-888-623-2353.

OPP Investigate Break-Ins

The OPP are investigating a rash of break-ins that took place during the day on Monday.

A number of homes have been entered and searched.

Some cash and other miscelleaneous items were stolen.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

OPP investigate armed robbery

The Kenora Detachment of the OPP is investigating an armed robbery this

took place early this morning on Lakeview Drive.

Police say the culprits entered a restaurant around 1 A.M. and forced their

way into the office.

They were able to get away with an undisclosed amount of

cash before the police could be called.

Members of the OPP's Criminal Investigations Branch and Street Crimes

Unit have been called in to assist.

Hampton Opposes Far North Act

The Ontario Legislature has resumed sitting and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton has a number of items on his agenda he wants to see addressed.

The NDP member says the key issue is the Government's proposed Far North Act.

Hampton accuses the Liberals of trying to convince Ontarians that First Nations are on side with the Legislation.

The Far North Act is due for third and final reading on Thursday.

Councillors say their farewells

Members of the current edition of Kenora City council have officially said their goodbyes.

Last night was the final regularly scheduled meeting of council befor the October 25th municipal elections.

Chris Van Wallenghem and mayor Len Compton are the only two members not seeking  re-election.

Van Wallenghem says its no easy task being a city councillor.

Council released a report last night, outlining their accomplishment's over the past four years.

It includes phase one and phase two of downtown revitalization, retro-fitting the Kenora Rec. Center and the rehabilitation of Highway 17 east and west into the City of Kenora.

Canoer Drowns in Quetico Park

The body of a Duluth man has been pulled from the waters of McAree Lake in Quetico Provincial Park.

Rainy River OPP had been searching for Darrell Cellers who had gone missing in the area since September 9th.

Investigation revealed that Cellers had been travelling through the park when hs canoe overtuned during windy conditions.

A post mortem exam showed that Cellers had drowned.

Far North Act Under Attack

First Nations leaders are warning of a showdown with the Ontario government over the Far North Act, which is slated for a third and final reading Thursday in the legislature.

Grand Chief Stan Beardy says the bill robs aboriginals of their treaty rights and doesn't give them a say in how their lands will be developed.

The Far North Act would block up to 42 per cent of Ontario's land mass from development, protecting 225-thousand square
kilometres of boreal forest.

Good Turn-out for Day One of Blood Donor Clinic

A good first day, but more donors are still going to be needed today at day two of the Canadian Blood Service Blood Donor Clinic in Kenora.

A total of 146 people came out yesterday and donated 123 units of blood.

CBS spokesperson Harvey Heather says that was about 12 people more than they had

expected.

However, he adds they still have about 50 appointments available today.

The Blood Donor Clinic will run from 9:30 to 12:30 today at St. Thomas Aquinas School.

Four Walk Away from Plane Crash

Four people are lucky to be alive after a plane crash in the bush near Pickle Lake.

The OPP say they were contacted Friday afternoon around 1:30, after receiving reports from the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Center of an airplane that went down about 27 kilometers east of Pickle Lake.

Police say the plane, owned by Northern Waterworks Sales and Consulting in Red Lake, had just taken off from the Pickle Lake Airport, when it began experiencing engine problems.

The pilot decided to return to Pickle Lake, but ended up making an unscheduled landing in the bush.

The pilot and three passengers on board managed to walk away from the wreckage.

They were rescued by a helicopter that was dispatched to the scene.

Only two of the four occupants sustained minor injuries.

They were later flown back to Red Lake.

Thompson Acclaimed Mayor in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

Bill Thompson will be back for another four year term as mayor of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls.

Thompson was the only person to file his nomination papers for the top position on the town council.

There will be elections for all other seats on the Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls town council.

Four people are in the race for two councillor at large positions.

Incumbants Norbert Dufresne, Lou Kabel and Chan Motlong will be challenged by former
mayor Jerry O'Leary.

In the Sioux Narrows ward, incumbant Gale Black will be up against John Stuhldreier.

In the Nestor Falls ward, Randy Hanson and Wayne Hellier will face off against eachother.

Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls will be using a vote-by-mail system for the October 25th vote.

New Scam Launched in Northwestern Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police are warning local residents and retailers about a new telephone scam that has hit the area.


The scam involves a call from a fictitous company stating there are new Government health regulations in place requiring workplaces have special first-aid kits.

The caller goes on to state that any violation could lead to closure or fines.

OPP say the caller may identify themself as being with a representative of the Health Unit or a company identified as Canadian Safety Supplies.

They offer to sell the kits at a steep price and will go as far as sending companies and invoice.

Highway 17 Speed Limit Going Up

It should soon take a little less time to get around some areas of the city.

The Operations department is recommending the speed limits be increased in a couple of
areas of town.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says now that the east highway to the city limits has
been paved, he'd like to see the speed limit increased from 80 kilometers an hour.

Perchuck says they are also proposing to increase the speed limit on Highway 596, from the Darlington Bridge to Highway 17-A from 60 kilometers an hour up to 80 klicks.

Winnipeg Couple Win Bassin For Bucks

A husband and wife team has taken top spot in the 14th annual Bassin for Bucks.

Ted and Louise Stewner from Winnpeg were the big winners over the weekend, reeling in 54.85 pounds of bass over three days.

They edged out Jeff Gustafson and Mike Reid, who weighed in 53.6 pounds.

Gustafson and Reid had a huge first day weight of 24.55 pounds, but were unable to
match that performance over the next two days.

Hiram Archibald and Joe Pritchett took third place with 52.32 pounds of bass.

Kenora Gears Up for 2011 Allan Cup

The 2011 Allan Cup is still more than eight months away, but organizers are already putting plans in place for the week long senior hockey championships.

An official launch for the Allan Cup will take place later this week.

Judy Bain is one of the organizers and they just want to let people know what will be going on in Kenora next April.

The official launch for the 2011 Allan Cup will take place at the Minnis Hall in the Super 8 motel this Thursday at 6:30PM.

Police Investigate Cat Lake Fatality

The Ontario Provincial Police and the Northwest Region Forensic team have been asked to review the circumstances surround the sudden death of a man in Cat Lake First Nation.


Nishnawbe-Aski Police were called to assist staff with a man who was being examined at the nursing station on Thursday.

The man suddenly stopped breathing and efforts to revive him failed.

The deceased has been identified as 34-year-old Romeo Gerald Wesley of Cat Lake First Nation.

Blood Donor Clinic Starts Today

Canadian Blood Services says it still has a number of appointment slots open for its two day blood donor clinic in Kenora.

The clinic begins this afternoon at 4:30 at Thomas Aquinas.

Harvey Heather is a spokesperson for Canadian Blood Services and says they
are still hoping for over 300 donors to show up.

The blood donor clinic will run until 9:00 tonight, and again from 9:30 to 12:30 tomorrow.

Separate School Board Acclaimed

The only other election race on October 25th will be for the Keewatin-Patricia

District School board.

Five people have decided to run for three trustees positions available.

Jon Sigurdson filed his nomination papers Friday, and joins Gregory Wagar,
Michelle Ott, Bob Onysko and Cecile Marcino on the ballot.

Over at the Kenora Catholic District School Board, there won't be a trustee election
as only five people filed nomination papers for five seats.

Brenda Bye, Mike Favreau, Frank Bastone, Paul Landry and Theresa Gallick will form
the new separate school board.

Three Way Race for Kenora Mayor

The election race in the City of Kenora is Officially underway.

Friday was the deadline to file nominations.

Its going to be a three-way race for mayor, with Jim Parson moving from
council over to the mayoralty.

All three candidates agree that the economy will be the biggest issue in
the fall election.

Parson says one area he wants to seem improvement is an expansion of our tourism
base.

Andrew Poirier says he wants to continue to work closely with the economic
development commission to implement the key elements of its plan.

Former Mayor Dave Canfield says in order to improve economically, the city is going to
need a strong voice lobbying for the community.

The municipal elections officially take place October 25th, but mail-in ballots will be sent out
to local residents the last week of September or the first week of October.

Broncos win Season Opener

Beaver Brae's Football team has opened the regular season with a convincing 27-0  win over the Dryden Eagles.

Cody Jones had 12 of the Bronco points, including three field goals.

Beaver Brae head coach Chris Penner says after a lackluster first half, his team rebounded with a strong second half.

Nick Hendy had a 65 punt return for a touchdown in the first half for the Broncos, while

Billy Kitt had the other major for Beaver Brae on a five yard touchdown run.

The Broncos next game is on the road in Winnipeg next Friday against the Maples Marauders.

Bassin For Bucks

The northwestern Ontario Bass tournament circuit makes a stop this weekend in Sioux Narrows.

Fishing is just getting underway in the 14th annual Bassin' For Bucks.

A full field of 120 teams are hitting the water for the three day tournament.

Weigh-ins will take place each day at the Sioux Narrows Wharf, with final day weigh-ins taking place on Sunday.

High School Football Season ready for Kick-off

The High School Football season begins in earnest today for Beaver Brae.


The Broncos are at home to the Dryden Eagles.

Last week, Beaver Brae trounced the Eagles 31-6 in an exhibition game, but coach Chris Penner says they aren't going to take anything for granted this week.

The Broncos have four homes games this year, including three this month alone.

Game time is 3:00 at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Worst Roads

If you're sick and tired with the state of an area road, highway or bridge, its time to voice your displeasure.


The Canadian Automobile Association has launched its 'Ontario Worst Roads' campaign.

Spokesperson Korey Kennedy says the intiative has been well received in this area.

Kennedy points out that 90-percent of the roads that make the Top 20 Province-wide, have been either repaired or are slated to be repaired.

You have until the end of the month to submit nominations for Kenora's worst road.

Request for Proposals for old Fire Hall

A request for proposals for the Old Firehall on Second Street South will be going out soon.


A committee has been set up to find a buyer for the heritage building.

Tara Rickaby is the city's planning administrator and says they have three or four people who
have already expressed interest in the building.

One of the items of contention is whether some of the heritage features of the old fire hall,
such as the call box and bell should be included in the request for proposal.

The fire fighters want to bring those two items with them when they move into the new
fire hall on Barsky's Hill.

Whitefish Bay Protest

Members of the Whitefish Bay First Nation say they want answers about what's happening with the school in their community.

A protest was held yesterday at BaiBombeh School south of Kenora.

The school was closed yesterday and there are questions about the band's handling  of education issues in the community.

The band recently fired the board and the education director of the education authority, and the principal and several teachers have quit their jobs.

The band is in financial difficulties after a 2009 audit found that Whitefish Bay is in deep debt.

Hit and Run charges laid

The OPP say they have laid charges in connection with a hit and run accident on the Airport Road over the weekend.

Police say 18 year old Stephanie McDowell of Kenora was charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

The charges were laid after a cyclist was struck by a vehicle around 9:00 Saturday morning.

The bike rider was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Election Deadline Looming

Candates continue to come out of the woodwork for the October 25th municipal election.


Waylon Scott, a former band councillor on the Wabaseemung First Nation filed his nomination papers for the city council race yesterday.

That brings the number of candidates seeking one of six council seats up to 13.

There are still only two people in the race for the mayor's chair.

Dave Canfield and Andrew Poirier will battle it out, unless someone comes forward at
the last minute.

The deadline to file nomination papers for the election is 2:00 this afternoon.

Abitibi land sale delayed again

Its taking a little longer than expected to finalize the sale of the Abitibi lands in Kenora to a private investor.

John Gale has been negotiating with the company for over a year.

Jennifer Findlay is the city's economic development officer and says they met recently with Gale to talk about his plans for the land.

The sale of the land was supposed to be finalized by August 31st, but Findlay says it now looks
as if the deal won't be completed until later this month.

Police Investigate Fatality on CP Tracks

Police say foul play is not suspected in the death of a man on the C.P. tracks in Kenora.

The incident took place last night around 7:00 on Tunnel Island.

The conductor of the train reported that they had hit a man on the tracks.

The OPP say the man died as a result of the collision.

So far the name of the deceased has not been released.

Nestor Falls a Finalist for Ultimate Fishing Town

Nestor Falls and Thunder Bay among the top ten cities into the final round of the World Fishing Network's search for the Ultimate Fishing Town in Canada.


A second round of voting is now underway and will end September 28th.

The winner will be announced in early October.

Kenora finished out of the running for the top ten list.

Kayakers located on Lake Superior

A group of nine kayakers who were overdue from a trip on Lake Superior have been located safe and sound.

The eight students and a teacher from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay were spotted this morning by a C-130 Hercules from CFB Winnipeg.

They were in the north end of Nipigon Strait, northeast of Thunder Bay, and indicated weather had hampered their progress and ability to communicate.

The group left Thunder Bay, along with 16 other kayakers, on Aug. 26 and were last heard from this past Sunday.

Eight other kayakers returned as scheduled Wednesday, and the other eight are on course to return today or Friday.

Rickford prepares for vote on Long Gun Registry

September 21st is the day the House of Commons will decide whether or not to move forward with a vote to dismantle the long-gun registry.


Supporters of the registry are starting to speak up in a bid to keep what they say is a useful tool.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford won't tip his hand whether the Conservatives are planning a counter attack.

Rickford says he believes most of the Northern Ontario NDP MP's are still on side with Legislation to kill the registry even though two more New Democrats have indicated in the past week that they will vote against the private members bill.

Thistle Rink Upgrades nearly Complete

While construction activity continues outside the Kenora Rec. Center, work inside the Thistle Rink is nearing completion.

New boards, glass and netting have been installed this past summer.

Recreational Services Manager for the city, Colleen Neil says they have also made some enhancements to the ice plant and heating units.

Neil also hopes they will be able to pave the Rec. Center Parking lot this fall before the snow flies, but that job will be dependant on whether the work on the new sewer and water and storm drainage system in the area is completed.

City offers property for new Land Ambulence Base

The never-ending soap opera about the location of a new land ambulence base in Kenora may finally have a conclusion.

Kenora City council is planning to declare a piece of property next to the new fire hall on Barsky's hill suplus.

Councillor Rory McMillan says the idea would be to transfer the land over to the Kenora District Services Board.

The city is hoping it can finalize the tranfer by September 17th.

Charges laid in Boating Accident

The OPP say there were a few accidents in the Kenora area over the Labor Day long weekend.

On Saturday morning, the marine unit was called out to a collision between two boats in the area of Northern Harbor.

The OPP say a 16 foot boat coming out of the harbor ran into a 19 foot vessel that was trolling in the area.

Police say one person, who wasn't wearing a life jacket at the time, end up falling into the lake.

Fortunately they were able to get back into the boat.

A Manitoba resident has been charged with careless operation of a motor vessel.

OPP investigate Hit and Run

The Kenora Detachment of the OPP says its investigating a hit and run accident

involving a cyclist.

Police say that around 9:00 Saturday morning, the cyclist was struck by a vehicle
on Airport Road.

The cyclist was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital for treatment of
unspecified injuries.

Police say they were able to locate the vehicle involved in the accident a short time later.

There's no indication what charges have been laid in the incident.

Activity Tax Credit

The Ontario Government is making it a little easier for parents to get their children involved in after school activities.


The province is introducing legislation creating a tax credit for those activities.

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says its going to help both the families and kids.

If the legislation is passed, parents will be able to claim up to 500 dollars of expenses per child.

Space still available for BScN Program

Confederation College and Lakehead University says some space is still available in a community-based nursing program.


It allows students to earn L-U's bachelor program through the region's college's campus.

Spokesperson for Con College, Anne Renaud says they will still go ahead with or without a full class.

The College and L-U graduated twenty students at the end of a four-year pilot program in June 2009

Voters lists go on-line

The City of Kenora is gearing up for the municipal elections this fall.

The nomination deadline is this Friday, and local residents can check
on-line to see if they are on the voters list.
Joanne McMillin is the city's returning officer and says this is the first
time they've used the on-line voters list.

She says you can find out if you are an eligible voter by entering your name and address on the city's web portal.

McMillin says the vote by mail kits should be in your mailbox sometime during the last week of September or
the first week of October. 

Ten People Seeking a Seat on Council

Then there were ten.

Another person has thrown his hat into the ring for the city council race in Kenora.

Rod McKay, the manager of the moth-balled Kenora Forest Products mill, filed his nomination papers yesterday.

At least one other person is expected to enter the election fray before Friday's deadline.

Anyone wanting to run for council has until 2:00 to file their nomination papers on September 10th.

New Fire Hall Nearing Completion

Its going to be at least another month before Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services

Department moves into its new building on Barsky's Hill.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman provided council an update on the Fire Hall project yesterday.

Brinkman says they are basically on time, but a few things have to be done before they can
begin moving in.

Brinkman says he wants to hold an open house at the new Fire Hall by the middle of October
to show off their new building.

Missing Winnipeg Man found near Hadashville

An 86-year-old Manitoba man is doing well despite being stranded for days in a swamp.

Joseph Kuz was reported missing last week after he'd set out on the side of the Trans-Canada Highway near Hadashville to walk to his nephew's cabin.

Mounties on A-T-Vs found Kuz yesterday.

He was dehydrated and hungry but otherwise alright.

Kuz's nephew, Myron Lamaga (la-MAH-ga), says his uncle is familiar with the outdoors and used to trap.

Clement Defends Fednor

Industry Minister Tony Clement doesn't see the value of making FEDNOR a separate agency within the federal government.

Opposition M-P's say feel it would speed up the time it takes to approval funding request.

But the Minister responsible for FEDNOR says there would be really no difference.

Clement adds the government has no plans to dismantle the regional economic development agency.

Lac Seul F.N. Settlement Vote

Lac Seul First Nation will be voting today on a 27 million dollar settlement offer on its old timber claim.

A voting booth will be set up in a number of communities across the region, including Thunder Bay.

Lac Seul received the offer from the Canadian Government to settle the claim which dates back to a harvested burn on reserve lands in 1907 and the surrender of the reserve's timber in 1919.

The voting will take place from 7:00 this morning until 7:00 this evening.

Strike Continues at NOSM

Talks between the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and

striking members of OP-SEU will continue later this month.

The talks ended Friday with limited progress and an agreement to
meet again starting September 14th.

Both sides agreed to a media blackout over the talks.

Some of the outstanding issues include hours of work, sick leave,
contracting out, family leaves and wages.

The union represents administrative, clerical and technical staff
at Laurentian University in Sudbury and Lakehead University in
Thunder Bay and campuses in Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie.

HST exemption now available

Area first nations can now get an 8 percent exemption from the HST at local retailers tills.


Anyone who has difficulty getting it is asked to contact the local chapter of the Union of Ontario Indians.

Spokesperson Judy Currie says she checked for herself to see if she would get the exemption and suggests
most of businesses in this area are honouring it at the cash register.

Northwest LHIN's Under Attack

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is under fire from the Progressive Conservative party.


The PC's are taking aim at their spending.

Democratic Reform Critic Steve Clark feels the 4.8 million dollars the NW LHIN spent on administration could have been better spent.

The Northwest LHIN also spent 1.5 million dollars on consultants over the past four years.

Grassy Narrows Man arrested following standoff

A 23 year old Grassy Narrows man has been arrested following a stand-off in the First Nations Community North of Kenora.

Late last week, Treaty Three Police were called out after a 28 year old woman sustained several slash wound.

She was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital for treatment.

Police say the male suspect was still inside the victims residence when they arrived at the scene.

A crisis negotiator and the OPP's Northwest Emergency Response Unit were called in.

Several hours later, Barry Payash was taken into custody.

He appeared in Kenora Court on Friday on charges of aggravated assault and three
counts of breach of probation.

Fall Tourism Campaign Planned

With Labor Day now over, Tourism Kenora is looking ahead to the fall.

A new ad campaign is being planned for the Winnipeg and southern Manitoba
markets.

Heather Paterson is Kenora's Tourism Development Officer and says they are
taking a little different approach this year.

Paterson says the spring campaign that was launched in May and June in
southern Manitoba proved to be very successful.

Village Corner in Vermillion Bay Destroyed by Fire

A popular rest stop between Kenora and Dryden has gone up in smoke.


The Village Corner in Vermillion Bay was destroyed by fire yesterday.

Fire crews from Machin, Dryden, Oxdrift and Wabigoon were called out shortly
after 6:00 yesterday morning.

Fire Fighters spent most of the day putting out the blaze at the corner store and
gas station.

The cause of the fire still hasn't been determined, and there has been no estimate
placed on the extent of the damage.

Officials say no-one was injured in the fire.